Remote control device for television signal receiver capable of receiving emergency alert signals

ABSTRACT

A remote control device for a television signal processing system is capable of receiving a signal indicating an emergency event and providing alert outputs to notify individuals of emergency events, while simultaneously transmitting control signals which control the television signal receiver. According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote control device includes a tuner operative to tune a frequency including a signal indicating an emergency event, and a transmitter operative to transmit a control signal which controls the television signal processing system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and all benefits accruing from twoprovisional applications filed in the United States Patent and TrademarkOffice on May 10, 2002, and there assigned Ser. Nos. 60/379,446 and60/379,557.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to remote control devices, andmore particularly, to a remote control device for a television signalprocessing system capable of, among other things, receiving emergencyalert signals and providing alert outputs to notify individuals ofemergency events.

2. Background Information

Emergency events such as severe weather, natural disasters, fires, civilemergencies, war acts, toxic chemical spills, radiation leaks, or othersuch conditions can be devastating to unprepared individuals. Withweather-related emergencies, authorities such as the National WeatherService (NWS) and the National Oceanographic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) are generally able to detect severe weatherconditions prior to the general public. Through the use of modernweather detection devices, such as Doppler radar and weather satellites,the NWS and NOM are able to issue early warnings of severe weatherconditions which have saved many lives. However, for such warnings to beeffective, they must be communicated to their intended recipients.

Certain specialized radios and scanners are capable of receivingemergency alert signals provided by the NWS and NOM. However, suchdevices tend to be dedicated to this use, and generally offer consumerslittle, if any, functionality beyond monitoring these signals.Accordingly, in order to receive advance warning of weather-relatedemergencies, consumers are required to purchase a separate, dedicateddevice, which may be cost-prohibitive to some consumers.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device capable of receiving emergencyalert signals which avoids the foregoing problems. The present inventionaddresses these and other issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a remote controldevice for a television signal processing system is disclosed. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the remote control device comprises tuningmeans for tuning a frequency including a signal indicating an emergencyevent, and transmitting means for transmitting control signals whichcontrol the television signal processing system.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method forcontrolling a remote control device for a television signal processingsystem is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the methodcomprises steps of tuning a frequency including a signal indicating anemergency event, and transmitting a control signal which controls thetelevision signal processing system while tuning the frequency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment suitable for implementing the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary television signal processingsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary remote control deviceaccording to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to thepresent invention.

The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed aslimiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, anexemplary environment 100 suitable for implementing the presentinvention is shown. In FIG. 1, environment 100 comprises a signaltransmission source 10 and dwelling units 15 (i.e., 1, 2, 3 . . . N,where N may be any positive integer). Dwelling units 15 in FIG. 1 mayfor example represent residences, businesses and/or other dwellingplaces located within a particular geographical area, such as but notlimited to, a particular continent, country, region, state, area code,zip code, city, county, municipality, subdivision, and/or otherdefinable geographical area. According to an exemplary embodiment, eachof the dwelling units 15 is equipped with at least one television signalprocessing system 20 having at least one associated remote controldevice 40. According to this exemplary embodiment, each televisionsignal processing system 20 and/or each remote control device 40 iscapable of receiving a signal indicating an emergency event, e.g., anemergency alert signal, and providing an alert output to notifyindividuals of the emergency event.

The television signal processing system may comprise various types ofsystems or signal processors such as television signal receivers thatinclude a display device (such as a television set) or television signalreceivers that do not include a display device (such as a set top box orVCR) but produce a signal suitable for coupling to a display device. Forthe purposes of the following detailed description, an exemplaryembodiment of a system incorporating principles of the invention will bedescribed in the context of a television receiver that includes adisplay device. However, the described aspects of the invention are alsoapplicable to other types of television signal processing systems suchas those that do not include a display device.

According to an exemplary embodiment, signal transmission source 10transmits signals including a signal indicating an emergency event,e.g., an emergency alert signal, which may be received by eachtelevision signal receiver 20 and/or remote control device 40. As willbe explained later herein, remote control device 40 is capable ofreceiving emergency alert signals transmitted from television signalreceiver 20, and/or directly from signal transmission source 10. Theemergency alert signals may for example be provided from an authoritysuch as the NWS, or other authorities such as governmental entities orthe like. In response to the emergency alert signals, each televisionsignal receiver 20 and/or remote control device 40 may activate anemergency alert function and provide one or more alert outputs tothereby notify individuals of the emergency event. Signal transmissionsource 10 may, for example, transmit such emergency alert signals viaany wired and/or wireless medium such as, but not limited to,terrestrial, cable, satellite, fiber optic, digital subscriber line(“DSL”), and/or other type of broadcast and/or multicast means.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an exemplary televisionsignal receiver 20 according to the present invention is shown. In FIG.2, television signal receiver 20 comprises a signal receiving element21, a tuner 22, a demodulator 23, an audio amplifier 24, a speaker 25, adecoder 26, a processor and memory 27, a video processor 28, a display29, a radio frequency (RF) modulator 30, a signal transmitting element31, and an infrared (IR) receiver 32. Some of the foregoing elements mayfor example be embodied using integrated circuits (ICs). For clarity ofdescription, certain conventional elements of television signal receiver20 may not be shown in FIG. 2.

Signal receiving element 21 is operative to receive signals includingaudio and/or video signals from signal sources, such as signaltransmission source 10 in FIG. 1. According to an exemplary embodiment,received audio signals may additionally include digitally encodedemergency alert signals. Signal receiving element 21 may be embodied asany signal receiving element such as an antenna, input terminal or otherelement.

Tuner 22 is operative to tune signals received via signal receivingelement 21 including audio and/or video signals. According to anexemplary embodiment, tuner 22 is capable of tuning audio signals on atleast the following designated NWS frequencies: 162.400 MHz, 162.425MHz, 162.450 MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz.Other frequencies may also be tuned. As previously indicated herein,such audio signals may additionally include digitally encoded emergencyalert signals. Demodulator 23 is operative to demodulate signalsprovided from tuner 22.

According to an exemplary embodiment, demodulator 23 demodulates audiosignals to thereby generate demodulated audio signals representing audiocontent such as an NWS audio message, a warning alert tone and/or otheraudio content. Audio amplifier 24 is operative to amplify the audiosignals output from demodulator 23 responsive to a control signalprovided from processor 27. Speaker 25 is operative to aurally outputthe amplified audio signals provided from audio amplifier 24.

Decoder 26 is operative to decode signals including audio and/or videosignals. According to an exemplary embodiment, decoder 26 decodes audiosignals provided from demodulator 23 to thereby extract digitallyencoded frequency shift keyed (FSK) signals, which represent emergencyalert signals indicating an emergency event. According to this exemplaryembodiment, the emergency alert signals include data comprising specificarea message encoding (SAME) data associated with the emergency event.SAME data comprises a digital code representing information such as thespecific geographical area affected by the emergency event, the type ofemergency event (e.g., tornado, toxic chemical spill, radiation leak,civil emergency, etc.), and the expiration time of the event alert. SAMEdata is used by the NWS and other authorities to improve the specificityof emergency alerts and to decrease the frequency of false alerts. Otherdata and information may also be included in the emergency alert signalsaccording to the present invention.

Processor and memory 27 are operative to perform various processing anddata storage functions of television signal receiver 20. According to anexemplary embodiment, processor 27 receives the emergency alert signalsfrom decoder 26 and determines whether the emergency alert function oftelevision signal receiver 20 is activated based on data included in theemergency alert signals. According to this exemplary embodiment,processor 27 compares data in the emergency alert signals to user setupdata stored in memory 27 to determine whether the emergency alertfunction is activated. For example, a setup process for the emergencyalert function of television signal receiver 20 may allow a user toselect items such as an applicable geographical area(s), and type(s) ofemergency events (e.g., tomado, toxic chemical spill, radiation leak,civil emergency, etc.) which activate the emergency alert function. Asreferred to herein, different severity levels (e.g., alert, watch,warning, etc.) may represent different “events.” For example, athunderstorm watch may be considered a different event from athunderstorm warning. Accordingly, the emergency alert function oftelevision signal receiver 20 may be activated when the emergency eventindicated by the emergency alert signals corresponds to a geographicalarea and/or event type designated by a user. According to an exemplaryembodiment, when the emergency alert function is activated, processor 27outputs one or more control signals which enable one or more alertoutputs to thereby notify individuals of the emergency event. Suchcontrol signals may also enable other functions of television signalreceiver 20, such as causing it to be switched from one mode, e.g., anoff/standby mode, to another mode, e.g., an on mode.

Video processor 28 is operative to process signals including videosignals. According to an exemplary embodiment, such video signals mayinclude embedded messages such as NWS text messages and/or othermessages that provide details regarding emergency events. Videoprocessor 28 may include closed caption circuitry which enables closedcaption displays. Display 29 is operative to provide visual displayscorresponding to processed signals provided from video processor 28.According to an exemplary embodiment, display 29 may provide visualdisplays including the aforementioned messages that provide detailsregarding emergency events.

RF modulator 30 is operative to modulate audio signals provided fromaudio amplifier 24. As previously indicated herein, such audio signalsmay include digitally encoded emergency alert signals and/or audiocontent such as an NWS audio message, a warning alert tone and/or otheraudio content.

Signal transmitting element, or transmitter, 31 is operative to transmitthe RF modulated signals provided from RF modulator 30. According to anexemplary embodiment, these RF signals may be transmitted during allmodes of operation, or during any one of a plurality of modes ofoperation, of the television signal processing system. The plurality ofmodes of operation includes, for example, an off/standby mode when thetelevision signal processing system is turned off but continues to beconnected to a source of power (e.g., AC mains) and is responsive tocontrol signals such as a “turn on” signal from a user-activated remotecontrol, when television signal receiver 20 is turned on and operatingnormally for viewing of television programming, and/or during a playbackmode during which the television signal processing system is processingrecorded audio and/or video content provided from a device such as aVCR, DVD player, PVR, CD player, etc. As will be explained later herein,remote control device 40 is operative to receive these RF signals whichmay include digitally encoded emergency alert signals, and perform theemergency alert function responsive to the emergency alert signals.Although the emergency alert signals are transmitted from televisionsignal receiver 20 to remote control device 40 via RF transmissionaccording to an exemplary embodiment, other types of transmissions suchas an IR transmission (e.g., with repeater elements if necessary) or thelike may also be used according to the present invention.

IR receiver 32 is operative to receive IR signals from remote controldevice 40. According to an exemplary embodiment, such IR signals mayrepresent control signals which control the operation of televisionsignal receiver 20. For example, such IR signals may control televisionsignal receiver 20 by turning it on and off, changing channels,controlling volume, and/or controlling other functions of televisionsignal receiver 20.

Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an exemplary remote controldevice 40 according to the present invention is shown. In FIG. 3, remotecontrol device 40 comprises a signal receiving element 41, a tuner 42, ademodulator 43, an audio amplifier 44, a speaker 45, a decoder 46, aprocessor and memory 47, an IR transmitter 48, a display 49, a keymatrix 50, and a low battery indicator 51. Some of the foregoingelements may for example be embodied using ICs.

Signal receiving element 41 is operative to receive signals includingemergency alert signals from signal sources, such as signal transmissionsource 10 and/or television signal receiver 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2.According to an exemplary embodiment, received audio signals mayadditionally include digitally encoded emergency alert signals. Signalreceiving element 41 may be embodied as any signal receiving elementsuch as an antenna or other element.

Tuner 42 is operative to tune signals received via signal receivingelement 41 including audio signals which may additionally includeemergency alert signals. According to an exemplary embodiment, tuner 42is capable of tuning audio signals on at least the following designatedNWS frequencies: 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450 MHz, 162.475 MHz,162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz. Other frequencies may also betuned.

Demodulator 43 is operative to demodulate signals provided from tuner42. According to an exemplary embodiment, demodulator 43 demodulatesaudio signals to thereby generate demodulated audio signals representingaudio content such as an NWS audio message, a warning alert tone and/orother audio content. Audio amplifier 44 is operative to amplify theaudio signals output from demodulator 43 responsive to a control signalprovided from processor 47. Speaker 45 is operative to aurally outputthe amplified audio signals provided from audio amplifier 44.

Decoder 46 is operative to decode signals including audio signals havingembedded emergency alert signals. According to an exemplary embodiment,decoder 46 decodes audio signals provided from demodulator 43 to therebyextract digitally encoded FSK signals, which represent emergency alertsignals indicating an emergency event. According to this exemplaryembodiment, the emergency alert signals include data comprising SAMEdata associated with the emergency event. As previously indicatedherein, SAME data comprises a digital code representing information suchas the specific geographical area affected by the emergency event, thetype of emergency event (e.g., tornado, toxic chemical spill, radiationleak, civil emergency, etc.), and the expiration time of the eventalert. As previously indicated herein, different severity levels (e.g.,alert, watch, warning, etc.) may represent different “events.” Otherdata and information may also be included in the emergency alert signalsaccording to the present invention.

Processor and memory 47 are operative to perform various processing anddata storage functions of remote control device 40. According to anexemplary embodiment, the emergency alert function of remote controldevice 40 is activated whenever processor 47 receives emergency alertsignals from decoder 46. According to this exemplary embodiment, theemergency alert function of remote control device 40 is activatedregardless of the specific geographical area affected by the emergencyevent or the type of emergency event, as indicated by the emergencyalert signals.

According to another exemplary embodiment, processor 47 receives theemergency alert signals from decoder 46 and determines whether theemergency alert function of remote control device 40 is activated basedon data included in the emergency alert signals. According to thisexemplary embodiment, processor 47 may compare data in the emergencyalert signals to user setup data stored in memory 47 to determinewhether the emergency alert function is activated. For example, a setupprocess for the emergency alert function of remote control device 40 mayallow a user to select items such as an applicable geographical area(s),and type(s) of emergency events (e.g., tornado, toxic chemical spill,radiation leak, civil emergency, etc.) which activate the emergencyalert function. Accordingly, the emergency alert function of remotecontrol device 40 may be activated when the emergency event indicated bythe emergency alert signals corresponds to a geographical area and/orevent type designated by a user. According to an exemplary embodiment,when the emergency alert function is activated, processor 47 outputs oneor more control signals which enable one or more alert outputs tothereby notify individuals of the emergency event.

IR transmitter 48 is operative to transmit IR signals to televisionsignal receiver 20. As previously indicated herein, such IR signals mayrepresent control signals which control the operation of televisionsignal receiver 20, such as by turning it on and off, changing channels,controlling volume, and/or controlling other functions of televisionsignal receiver 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, remote controldevice 40 is operative to transmit such IR control signals to televisionsignal receiver 20 via IR transmitter 48 independently from receivingemergency alert signals and performing the emergency alert function.Accordingly, remote control device 40 may transmit IR control signalsand thereby control television signal receiver 20 while simultaneouslyreceiving emergency alert signals and performing the emergency alertfunction.

Display 49 is operative to provide visual displays corresponding tosignals provided from processor 47. According to an exemplaryembodiment, display 49 may provide visual displays including messages orother displays that provide details regarding emergency events. Data forsuch displays may for example be stored in memory 47 and output todisplay 49 when the emergency alert function of remote control device 40is activated.

Key matrix 50 is operative to enable users to provide key inputs whichcontrol television signal receiver 20 and/or remote control device 40.For example, such inputs may cause IR transmitter 48 to transmitcorresponding control signals to television signal receiver 20, aspreviously discussed herein. Moreover, such inputs may be used tocontrol the emergency alert function and/or other functions of remotecontrol device 40. For example, key matrix 50 may include a key whichenables a user to turn off the emergency alert function of remotecontrol device 40, and thereby preserve a battery (not shown) thatprovides electrical power to remote control device 40. According to anexemplary embodiment, remote control device 40 is still operative totransmit IR control signals and thereby control television signalreceiver 20 when the emergency alert function of remote control device40 is turned off.

Low battery indicator 51 is operative to provide a visual indicationwhen the battery (not shown) that provides electrical power to remotecontrol device 40 reaches a predetermined power level. Low batteryindicator 51 may be embodied as any type of indicator element, such as alight-emitting diode (LED) or liquid crystal display (LCD) lamp or otherindicator element. Low battery indicator 51 may also be included ondisplay 49. Moreover, display 49, key matrix 50, and low batteryindicator 51 may for example be included together on a viewable controlpanel of remote control device 40.

The exemplary embodiment of remote control device 40 shown in FIG. 3 mayalso be adapted for additional uses other than those expressly describedabove. For example, remote control device 40 may be adapted to transmitand/or receive any type of data to and/or from sources, such as signaltransmission source 10 and/or television signal receiver 20. In thismanner, remote control device 40 may for example provide bi-directionalcommunication capabilities and thereby facilitate additional uses, suchas a cordless telephone, mobile two-way radio, internet communicationmodule, etc.

Referring to FIG. 4, a flowchart 400 illustrating exemplary stepsaccording to the present invention is shown. For purposes of example andexplanation, the steps of FIG. 4 will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 3. The steps of FIG. 4 are merely exemplary, and are notintended to limit the present invention in any manner.

At step 401, the emergency alert function of remote control device 40 isturned on. According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may turn on theemergency alert function of remote control device 40 by pressing apredetermined key on key matrix 50 which enables a battery (not shown)of remote control device 40 to provide electrical power to elements ofremote control device 40 such as tuner 42, demodulator 43, and decoder46, which enable reception of emergency alert signals. As previouslyindicated herein, remote control device 40 is capable of transmitting IRsignals to control television signal receiver 20 even when the emergencyalert function is turned off.

At step 402, remote control device 40 monitors a frequency for emergencyalert signals. According to an exemplary embodiment, tuner 42 tunes thefrequency and thereby receives incoming emergency alert signals.According to the present invention, tuner 42 may tune the frequencyincluding emergency alert signals while IR transmitter 48 transmits IRcontrol signals to television signal receiver 20. In this manner, remotecontrol device 40 is capable of providing the emergency alert functionand controlling television signal receiver 20 simultaneously.

As previously indicated herein, the emergency alert signals received byremote control device 40 at step 402 may be provided from televisionsignal receiver 20. According to this exemplary embodiment, televisionsignal receiver 20 is capable of transmitting emergency alert signals toremote control device 40 during all modes of operation, including forexample when television signal receiver 20 is turned on, turned off,and/or during playback of recorded audio and/or video content.

The emergency alert signals may also be provided to remote controldevice 40 from a source other than television signal receiver 20, suchas signal transmission source 10 of FIG. 1. According to this exemplaryembodiment, remote control device 40 may receive emergency alert signalseven during a power outage when, for example, television signal receiver20 loses its source of electrical power. In this manner, remote controldevice 40 may operate as a portable, mobile device for providing theemergency alert function.

At step 403, a determination is made as to whether the emergency alertfunction of remote control device 40 is activated. As previouslyindicated herein, the emergency alert function of remote control device40 may be activated whenever processor 47 receives emergency alertsignals from decoder 46. According to this exemplary embodiment, theemergency alert function of remote control device 40 is activatedregardless of the specific geographical area affected by the emergencyevent or the type of emergency event, as indicated by the emergencyalert signals.

According to another exemplary embodiment, processor 47 receives theemergency alert signals from decoder 46 and determines whether theemergency alert function of remote control device 40 is activated atstep 403 based on data included in the emergency alert signals.According to this exemplary embodiment, processor 47 may compare data inthe emergency alert signals to user setup data stored in memory 47 todetermine whether the emergency alert function is activated. Aspreviously indicated herein, a setup process for the emergency alertfunction of remote control device 40 may allow a user to select itemssuch as an applicable geographical area(s), and type(s) of emergencyevents (e.g., tornado, toxic chemical spill, radiation leak, civilemergency, etc.) which activate the emergency alert function.Accordingly, the emergency alert function of remote control device 40may be activated when the emergency event indicated by the emergencyalert signals corresponds to a geographical area and/or event typedesignated by a user.

If the determination at step 403 is negative, process flow loops back tostep 402 where tuner 42 continues to monitor the frequency for emergencyalert signals. Alternatively, if the determination at step 403 ispositive, process flow advances to step 404 where remote control device40 provides one or more alert outputs to thereby notify individuals ofthe emergency event. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 47enables the one or more alert outputs which may be aural and/or visualin nature. For example, aural outputs such as a warning tone, an NWSaudio message and/or other aural output may be provided at step 404 viaspeaker 45, and the volume of such aural outputs may be controlled byprocessor 47. Visual outputs may also be provided at step 404 viadisplay 49 to notify individuals of the emergency event. According to anexemplary embodiment, a visual display such as an NWS text message,icon, and/or other display may be provided at step 404 via display 49.As previously indicated herein, data for such displays may be stored inmemory 47 and output to display 49 when the emergency alert function ofremote control device 40 is activated. According to an exemplaryembodiment, television signal receiver 20 and remote control device 40may provide alert outputs at the same time.

As described herein, the present invention provides a remote controldevice for a television signal receiver capable of receiving emergencyalert signals and providing alert outputs to notify individuals ofemergency events. The present invention may be applicable to variousapparatuses, either with or without a display device. Accordingly, thephrase “television signal receiver” as used herein may refer to systemsor apparatuses capable of receiving and processing television signalsincluding, but not limited to, television sets, computers or monitorsthat include a display device, and systems or apparatuses such asset-top boxes, video cassette recorders (VCRs), digital versatile disk(DVD) players, video game boxes, personal video recorders (PVRs),computers or other apparatuses that may not include a display device.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

1. A remote control device for a television signal processing system,comprising: a tuner operative to tune a frequency including a signalindicating an emergency event; and a transmitter operative to transmit acontrol signal which controls the television signal processing system.2. The remote control device of claim 1, wherein the tuner is operativeto tune the frequency including the signal indicating the emergencyevent while the transmitter transmits the control signals.
 3. The remotecontrol device of claim 1, wherein an alert output is providedresponsive to the signal indicating the emergency event.
 4. The remotecontrol device of claim 3, further comprising a display, and wherein thealert output comprises a visual output provided via the display.
 5. Theremote control device of claim 3, further comprising a speaker, andwherein the alert output comprises an aural output provided via thespeaker.
 6. The remote control device of claim 1, wherein the signalindicating the emergency event is provided from the television signalprocessing system.
 7. The remote control device of claim 1, wherein thesignal indicating the emergency event is provided from a source otherthan the television signal processing system.
 8. A remote control devicefor a television signal processor, comprising: tuning means for tuning afrequency including a signal indicating an emergency event; andtransmitting means for transmitting a control signal for controlling thetelevision signal receiver.
 9. The remote control device of claim 8,wherein the tuning means tunes the frequency including the signalindicating the emergency event while the transmitting means transmitsthe control signal.
 10. The remote control device of claim 8, wherein analert output is provided responsive to the signal indicating theemergency event.
 11. The remote control device of claim 10, furthercomprising display means, and wherein the alert output comprises avisual output provided via the display means.
 12. The remote controldevice of claim 10, further comprising aural output means, and whereinthe alert output comprises an aural output provided via the aural outputmeans.
 13. The remote control device of claim 8, wherein the signalindicating the emergency event is provided from the television signalprocessor.
 14. The remote control device of claim 8, wherein the signalindicating the emergency event is provided from a source other than thetelevision signal processor.
 15. A method for controlling a remotecontrol device for a television signal processing system, comprising:tuning a frequency including a signal indicating an emergency event; andtransmitting a control signal which controls the television signalreceiver while tuning the frequency including the signal indicating theemergency event.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprised ofproviding an alert output responsive to the signal indicating theemergency event.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the alert outputcomprises a visual output.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the alertoutput comprises an aural output.
 19. The method of claim 15, whereinthe emergency alert signals are provided from the television signalprocessing system.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the emergencyalert signals are provided from a source other than the televisionsignal processing system.
 21. A television signal processing systemcomprising: a tuner for tuning a frequency including a first signalindicating an emergency event; and a transmitter included in thetelevision signal processing system for transmitting a second signalindicating the emergency event to a remote control device.
 22. Thetelevision signal processing system of claim 21, wherein the transmittertransmits the second signal to the remote control device for activatingan emergency alert function of the remote control device.
 23. Thetelevision signal processing system of claim 22, wherein the transmittertransmits the second signal to the remote control device during any oneof a plurality of modes of operation of the television signal processingsystem.
 24. The television signal processing system of claim 23, whereinthe plurality of modes of operation comprises an on mode of thetelevision signal processing system.
 25. The television signalprocessing system of claim 23, wherein the plurality of modes ofoperation comprises an off/standby mode of the television signalprocessing system.
 26. The television signal processing system of claim23, wherein the plurality of modes of operation comprises a playbackmode of the television signal processing system.